Billy Joel has said he may never perform again after his neurologist told him he is not allowed to drive or take to the stage while he undergoes further tests.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the singer said he did not yet know what the future held for his live performances. “I have to take a series of tests before I know,” he said.
Joel added: “I’m not allowed to drive. And I can’t do performances because what the neurologist told me, every time you do a show, it’s like you’re getting a concussion.”
The 77-year-old is auctioning more than 70 of his motorcycles after being diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition he said had made driving “a little bit iffy”. He said he had decided it was time to hand the bikes over to somebody else.
Proceeds from the sale will go to The Joel Foundation.
Joel has also faced a personal loss, after his best friend and former bandmate Jon Small died last month. Paying tribute on Instagram, he wrote: “Losing Jon has hit me in a way I have never experienced. It is difficult to imagine this world without him in it.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health and career, Joel said his memory and balance had improved following surgery. “I’m not going anywhere, I’m here. I’m still here,” he said.
